Day 7 of 21 "Golf in Ireland"

 Today was our second full day at Kinnitty Castle and Patrick found a golf course. Birr Golf Club is just a few kilometers down the road from the castle, and it's the home of Shane Lowry, 2019 The Open Champion. They are very proud of him! 

We rented a set of clubs and had the course almost to ourselves. I'm not sure if the locals knew it was going to be such a beautiful day, but we walked all 18 holes and never needed a jacket or an umbrella.







                              
                                             There were warnings of deep water with these safety devices. 😀



                                                                       
                                                                     Patrick teeing off





                                                       Wicked bunkers by the putting green




Ireland has a lot of respect for their women golfers. These are parking spaces next to the clubhouse reserved for women only. Zoom in and you'll see the titles of the VIPs running the women's groups.


As we were leaving, a local golfer offered to take my picture at the 18th green by the clubhouse. He said, "This is the best spot. I'll put the camera on portrait." And 20 seconds later, he captured this moment. So kind and generous! 

Our taxi driver from the castle said he would come back for us at the end of the round, and he was right on time. He took us to a pub in Kinnitty where we ordered pizza, said "Happy Birthday" to Lisa, drank Guinness and a few gin & tonics, and met the pub cat, no name, but he was clearly a regular.  Still no pub dogs, but I think we'll find one at the next stop. Stay tuned....we've got connections with this one.

Along the drive from the golf course to the pub we were stopped by a traffic jam. I've heard that sheep have the right of way, and so do cows. It only took a few minutes for the farmers to guide this group to the next pasture.


Giltrap Pub in Kinnitty





I think Hector and Dartha are watching over us. The first cat was black and white. This one is orange and white and very vocal. 

Tomorrow it's on to Limerick, once known as "the murder capital of Ireland." Let's hope things have gotten better over the decades. 😂

Last but not least....cake and honeycomb ice cream at the Dungeon Bar.  I always say it isn't a birthday until you can blow out a candle, but today is an exception. No wishes needed. I already got mine. 🎂 


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